My mom's birthday magically coincided last week with the release of Willow and Co's latest pattern, the Senna Tote. My mom is a teacher and can always make use of a good, sturdy book bag. Plus, she taught me to sew and I wanted to gift her this year with something special, sophisticated and handmade.
It has a curved, zippered front, a snapped stash pocket in both the front and the back plus a roomy divided pocket inside.
I made it using this lovely linen fabric from Miss Matatabi. It was tough to cut into. I love the print so. And I think that it would make a great pair of pants for one or both of my littles.
I made the bottom out of leather that I got from here. And, in the end, decided to add a zipper tassel ala Trine of Groovy Baby and Mama. It is such a snappy little detail and we have lots of these little wooden beads rolling around the house. I hope she doesn't mind my capitalizing on her cleverness!
The pattern for the tote was well written and I was able to get through the steps without incident. Next time, I think that I'll grade up to a 1/2" seam allowance because I need the wiggle room. The instructions called for clipping into the curved seam allowance by the zipper, that would have made it lay flatter especially with all of the layers but my sewing was a bit sloppy there so I didn't have the space for it.
I think that the shape and all of the pockets are brilliant. And it's nice and big, which I dig. It will work great for mom as a book bag. And I hope to make one for myself too. I'm dreaming of one in waxed canvas -plenty of room to stash my sweater knitting plus snacks and a change of clothes for the kids.
Heading on over to see what the Frontier Dreams readers are making today. What are you working on?
